Insights from Daniel McGowran at Daniel James Residential, Your Trusted Shropshire Estate Agent
Let’s not sugar-coat it: selling a home right now isn’t quite the walk in the park it used to be.
The housing market—both here in Shropshire and across the UK—has shifted gears. Slowly. And as the saying goes, slow and steady might win the race, but it doesn’t do much for your moving plans.
🕰️ Time on Market Is on the Rise
Recent research reveals that the average time to sell a home in the UK is now 205 days from instruction to completion. That includes 80 days just to agree a sale—before you even start on the paperwork.
Here at Daniel James Residential, we’ve seen a similar trend locally. Homes are sticking longer. Buyers are cautious. And those days of multiple offers within the first week? Less common than they used to be.
📉 Price Reductions Are on the Rise Too
Here’s something that should make every seller pause:
Over 40% of homes on the market in our area have had at least one price reduction.
That’s not a gentle nudge—it’s a sign. A sign that some homes are being launched with unrealistic expectations, whether that’s down to over-optimism or agents inflating figures to win instructions.
🧠 So What’s the Smart Strategy in a Slower Market?
As the director of Daniel James Residential, I’ve always believed in straight-talking advice, especially when it matters most. If you’re thinking of selling, here’s what you need to know:
1. Price It Right the First Time
This isn’t the moment to “test the waters.” Homes priced correctly from day one generate more enquiries, more viewings, and ultimately better offers. Overpricing just leads to one thing—reductions.
2. Presentation Is Everything
Buyers might be slower to act, but they’re still drawn to homes that look the part. That’s why we treat presentation like a production—from kerb appeal to interior styling to the photography that makes it shine online.
🌅 Why We Use Dusk Photography at Daniel James Residential
At Daniel James Residential, we go beyond the standard listing photos. One of our favourite tools? Professional dusk photography.
When a home is photographed just as the sun sets and the lights come on, it tells a story. It feels warm, inviting, and memorable. In a world of scrolling, these shots stop buyers in their tracks.
In a competitive market, your home deserves more than standard. It deserves to stand out. And this is just one of the ways we help it do exactly that.
3. Be Chain-Smart
Serious buyers want serious sellers. That means having your ducks in a row—solicitor instructed, paperwork prepped, and a clear onward plan in place. We can help you get there.
4. Choose Your Estate Agent Carefully
Not all agents are created equal. Ask them:
- What’s their average time to sell?
- How many of their listings end up reduced?
- Do they proactively follow up on interest, or just wait for the phone to ring?
At Daniel James Residential, we focus on quality over quantity. Fewer listings, more attention, better results. That’s always been my approach as a Shropshire estate agent who cares about the long game—not just the listing.
💬 Final Thought from Daniel McGowran
Selling a home right now isn’t impossible—it just takes strategy, honesty, and a bit of graft.
If your home’s already on the market and underperforming—or if you’re thinking of listing soon and want a proper plan—let’s talk. No fluff, no pressure, just real advice that works.
Because in today’s market, average won’t cut it.
But smart selling? That still wins.
Thinking of selling in Shropshire?
Reach out to Daniel James Residential and speak directly with Daniel McGowran for a marketing plan that works in the real world—not just on paper.
